Surgical stapling device with floating staple cartridge

ABSTRACT

A surgical stapling device includes tool assembly having an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly including a cartridge channel and a staple cartridge supported within the cartridge channel. The cartridge channel has a pair of spaced sidewalls and a bottom wall. The cartridge assembly includes compression strips that are supported on upper edges of the side walls and are positioned to support the staple cartridge. In embodiments, each of the compression strips includes a connecting portion and the upper edge of each of the side walls defines a slot that is configured to receive the connecting portion of a respective compression strip to secure the compression strip to the side wall of the cartridge channel. In some embodiments, the tool assembly also includes a compressible pad that is supported on the bottom wall of the cartridge channel between the bottom of the cartridge channel and the staple cartridge.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Description

The present disclosure is directed to a surgical stapling device and,more particularly, to a surgical stapling device including a toolassembly having a staple cartridge that is supported on a compressiblebase to accommodate tissues of different thicknesses.

2. Background of Related Art

Surgical stapling devices for ejecting staples to join tissue or tissuesegments in a fast and efficient manner in a variety of surgicalprocedures, e.g., anastomoses procedures, are well known. Surgicalstapling devices include a tool assembly having a cartridge assembly andan anvil assembly. The cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly definetissue contact surfaces that define a tissue gap when the tool assemblyis in a clamped position. The tissue gap is dimensioned to receivetissue of a given thickness range to effect hemostasis. If the tissuepositioned between the jaws is outside the defined range, either toothick or too thin, the tissue contact surfaces of the cartridge andanvil assemblies may not be properly positioned during firing of thestapling device to provide effective hemostasis. In addition, if thetissue thickness is misidentified by the clinician or if the tissuethickness falls near the outer edges of the range for a given staplesize, the likelihood of ineffective hemostasis is increased.

Accordingly, a continuing need exists in the suturing arts for asurgical stapling device that is capable of providing effectivehemostasis for a greater range of tissue thicknesses.

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the disclosure, a cartridge assembly includes acartridge channel having a bottom wall and side walls that define arecess. Each of the side walls has a first end secured to the bottomwall and a second end spaced from the bottom wall defining an elongatedslot. A staple cartridge defines a longitudinal axis and includes anupper wall defining a tissue contact surface and side walls. The upperwall extends radially outward of the side walls of the staple cartridgeto define a longitudinally extending shoulder that is positionedadjacent to each of the side walls of the staple cartridge. The staplecartridge is dimensioned to be received within the recess of thecartridge channel such that the shoulders of the staple cartridge restatop the side walls of the cartridge channel. A compression strip issupported in each of the elongated slots defined in the second end ofthe side walls of the cartridge channel. The elongated slots and thecompression strips are configured to interlock to secure the compressionstrips to the cartridge channel.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a cartridge assembly includes acartridge channel having a bottom wall and side walls defining a recess,and a staple cartridge defining a longitudinal axis and supporting aplurality of staples and a plurality of pushers. The staple cartridge isreceived within the recess of the cartridge channel. The staplecartridge has an upper wall defining a tissue contact surface and aplurality of staple retention slots. A compression pad is positionedbetween the bottom wall of the cartridge channel and the staplecartridge.

In embodiments, each of the compression strips includes a connectingportion that is received within the longitudinal slot.

In some embodiments, the connecting portion of each of the compressionstrips and the elongated slot are dove-tail shaped.

In certain embodiments, the second end of each of the side walls of thecartridge channel includes cutouts, the cutouts intersecting theelongated slot to divide the elongated slot into a plurality ofsegments.

In embodiments, each of the compression strips is formed of a pluralityof segments, and each of the plurality of segments of the compressionstrips has a length that corresponds to a length of one of the pluralityof segments of the elongated slots.

In some embodiments, each of the compression strips is formed from anelastic material.

In certain embodiments, the cartridge assembly includes a support plateand the staple cartridge includes staples and pushers and defines anopen end opposite to the upper wall. The support plate is supported onthe open end of the staple cartridge to retain the staples and pusherswithin the staple cartridge.

In embodiments, the staple cartridge and the support plate define a gapwith the bottom wall of the cartridge channel.

In some embodiments, a compression pad is positioned in the gap betweenthe staple cartridge and the bottom wall of the cartridge channel.

In certain embodiments, the cartridge channel and the staple cartridgeeach define a knife slot, and the compression pad includes a first halfpositioned on one side of the knife slots and a second half positionedon the other side of the knife slots.

In some embodiments, the compression pad is secured to the bottom wallof the cartridge channel using an adhesive.

In embodiments, the compression pad is formed from an elastic material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the presently disclosed tool assembly aredescribed herein below with reference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a surgical stapling deviceincluding an exemplary embodiment of the presently disclosed toolassembly in a clamped position;

FIG. 1A is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the tool assembly of FIG. 1 in anunclamped position with an anvil assembly of the tool assembly shown inphantom;

FIG. 3 is a side, perspective, exploded view of a cartridge assembly ofthe tool assembly shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 3A-3A;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the a channel member of thecartridge assembly shown in FIG. 3 with compression strips attached toside walls of the channel member;

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the channel member of the cartridgeassembly shown in FIG. 4 with the compression strips and a compressionpad supported on the channel member;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG.2;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG.3;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG.3;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the indicated area of detail shown inFIG. 8 as the compression strip is attached to the side wall of thechannel member;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 10-10 of FIG.1A;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 11-11 of FIG.10;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 11-11 of FIG.10 with the tool assembly clamped on relatively thin tissue;

FIG. 13 is a side view of a staple of the cartridge assembly of FIG. 12after the staple is deformed in thin tissue;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 11-11 of FIG.10 with the tool assembly clamped on tissue having a relatively moderatethickness;

FIG. 15 is a side view of a staple of the cartridge assembly of FIG. 14after the staple is deformed in the tissue having a relatively moderatethickness;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 11-11 of FIG.10 with the tool assembly clamped on relatively thick tissue; and

FIG. 17 is a side view of a staple of the cartridge assembly of FIG. 16after the staple is deformed in the relatively thick tissue.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The presently disclosed surgical stapling device including a toolassembly with a floating staple cartridge will now be described indetail with reference to the drawings in which like reference numeralsdesignate identical or corresponding elements in each of the severalviews. In this description, the term “proximal” is used generally torefer to that portion of the device that is closer to a clinician, whilethe term “distal” is used generally to refer to that portion of thedevice that is farther from the clinician. In addition, the term“endoscopic” is used generally used to refer to endoscopic,laparoscopic, arthroscopic, and/or any other procedure conducted throughsmall diameter incision or cannula. In addition, the term clinician isused generally to refer to medical personnel including doctors, nurses,and support personnel.

The presently disclosed surgical stapling device includes a toolassembly having an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly including acartridge channel and a staple cartridge supported within the cartridgechannel. The cartridge assembly includes a cartridge channel having apair of spaced sidewalls and a bottom wall. The cartridge assemblyincludes compression strips that are supported on upper edges of theside walls of the cartridge channel and are positioned to support thestaple cartridge. In embodiments, each of the compression stripsincludes a connecting portion and the upper edge of each of the sidewalls defines a slot that is configured to receive the connectingportion of a respective compression strip to secure the compressionstrips to the side walls of the cartridge channel. The compressionstrips allow the staple cartridge to move or float in relation to theanvil assembly of the tool assembly to accommodate tissues of differentthicknesses.

In some embodiments, the tool assembly also includes a compressible padthat is supported on the bottom wall of the channel. The staplecartridge is supported on the compressible pad within the cartridgechannel such that the staple cartridge can move or float within thecartridge channel.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the presently disclosedsurgical stapling device shown generally as 10. The stapling device 10includes a handle assembly 12, a body portion 14 that defines alongitudinal axis “X” and extends from a distal portion of the handleassembly 12, and a tool assembly 100 supported on a distal portion ofthe body portion 14. In embodiments, the handle assembly 12 includes astationary hand grip 16, a firing trigger 18, a rotation knob 20, and anarticulation lever 22. The firing trigger 18 is actuatable to move thetool assembly 100 between an unclamped position (FIG. 2) and a clampedposition (FIG. 1A) and to fire the stapling device 10. The articulationlever 22 is rotatable to pivot the tool assembly 100 in relation to thebody portion 14 about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis “X”.The rotation knob 20 pivotally supports the body portion 14 and the toolassembly 100 on the distal portion of the handle assembly 12. Rotationof the rotation knob 20 in relation to the handle assembly 12 causescorresponding rotation of the body portion 14 and tool assembly 100 inrelation to the handle assembly 12.

For a detailed description of a handle assembly 12 including the firingtrigger 18, rotation knob 20, and articulation lever 22, and othercomponents of the stapling device 10 including the body portion 14, seeU.S. Pat. No. 8,418,904 (“the '904 Patent”) which is incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety. Although the presently disclosed toolassembly 100 is illustrated as part of a manually powered surgicalstapling device 10, it is also envisioned that the tool assembly 100could be incorporated into a powered surgical stapling device such asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,055,943 and 8,806,973 and U.S. PublicationNo. 2015/0076206 which are also incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 2, the tool assembly 100 includes an anvilassembly 102 and a cartridge assembly 104. A proximal portion of theanvil assembly 102 is pivotally coupled to a proximal portion of thecartridge assembly 104 by a pair of pivot members 105 such that theanvil assembly 102 is pivotal in relation to the cartridge assembly 104to move the tool assembly 100 between an unclamped position (FIG. 2) anda clamped position (FIG. 1A). It is envisioned that the cartridgeassembly could also be pivotally supported to the anvil assembly 102.Although not shown, the anvil assembly 102 includes a tissue contactsurface that includes a plurality of staple deforming depressions. See,e.g., the anvil assembly disclosed in the '904 Patent.

Referring to FIG. 3, in some embodiments the cartridge assembly 104includes a staple cartridge 106 that supports a plurality of staples 108and a plurality of pushers 110, a cartridge channel 112, a staplecartridge support plate 114, compression strips 116, compression pads118, and an actuation sled 120. It is envisioned that the cartridgeassembly 104 may include only compression strips 116 or compression pads118 as discussed in further detail below. The staple cartridge 106includes a tissue contact surface 124 (FIG. 3) that defines a centralknife slot 106 a, and a plurality of rows of laterally spaced stapleretention slots 124 a in the tissue contact surface 124. In embodiments,the tissue contact surface 124 is stepped downwardly from the centralknife slot 106 a towards the outer edge of the staple cartridge 106.Alternately, the tissue contact surface 124 of the staple cartridge 106can be planar. Each staple retention slot 124 a receives one of thestaples 108 and a respective pusher 110.

The support plate 114 of the cartridge assembly 104 is secured to anopen, lower end of the staple cartridge 106 opposite to the tissuecontact surface 124 by a snap-fit or other type connection. The supportplate 114 covers the open lower end of the staple cartridge 106 toretain the staples 108 and pushers 110 within the staple cartridge 106.The staple cartridge 106 also defines a plurality of longitudinal slots130 (FIG. 11). The longitudinal slots 130 communicate with the open,lower end of the staple cartridge 106 and the staple retention slots 124a to accommodate the staple pushers 110 and facilitate passage of theactuation sled 120 through the staple cartridge 106. As known in theart, advancement of the actuation sled 120 through the staple cartridge106 lifts the pushers 110 within the retention slots 124 a to eject thestaples 108 from the retention slots 124 a. See, e.g., the '904 Patentfor a detailed description of the operation, and interaction of theactuation sled 120 and pushers 110.

The staple cartridge 106 includes opposite sidewalls 132 and an upperwall 134 that defines the tissue contact surface 124 and the stapleretention slots 124 a. The upper wall 134 extends radially outward ofthe side walls 132 to define shoulders 136 (FIG. 3A). The staplecartridge 106 also includes protrusions 140 (FIG. 3) that extendradially outwardly of each of the side walls 132 of the staple cartridge106 and facilitate securement of the staple cartridge 106 within thecartridge channel 112.

Referring also to FIGS. 4 and 5, the cartridge channel 112 includes abottom wall 144 and spaced side walls 146 that together define a recess148 that is dimensioned to receive the staple cartridge 106 and supportplate 114 when the staple cartridge 106 and the support plate 114 areassembled. The bottom wall 144 defines a central longitudinal knife slot150 that is aligned with the central knife slot 106 a defined in thestaple cartridge 106 as well as a longitudinal knife slot 152 defined bythe support plate 114. The knife slots 106 a, 150 and 152 aredimensioned to facilitate passage of a drive member and knife (notshown) through the staple cartridge 106. See, e.g., the '904 Patent fora detailed description of an exemplary embodiment of a drive member andknife of a surgical stapling device.

Referring also to FIGS. 3 and 6-9, the compression strips 116 are formedof a compressible and/or elastic material such as ______. Each of thecompression strips 116 includes a support portion 156 and a connectingportion 158. In embodiments, the support portion 156 of each of thecompression strips 116 defines a flat surface 156 a that is positionedand configured to support the shoulders 136 of the staple cartridge 106(FIG. 3A).

In embodiments, the spaced side walls 146 of the cartridge channel 112each define a retention slot 160 (FIG. 8) that is configured to receivea connecting portion 158 of the compression strips 116. In embodiments,the retention slots 160 and the connecting portions 158 of thecompression strips 116 have interlocking configurations which mate tosecurely fasten the compression strips 116 within the retention slots160. In some embodiments, the retention slots 160 and the connectingportion of the compression strips 116 each include have a dove-tailconfiguration although other interlocking configurations are envisioned,e.g., T-shaped slots, etc. The connecting portion 158 of the compressionstrips 116 are slidably received within the retention slots 160 tosecure the compression strips 116 to the upper edges of the side walls146 of the cartridge channel 112. In addition, adhesives, welding,friction fitting, or the like can be used to secure the compressionstrips from moving axially within the slots 160

Referring briefly back to FIGS. 4 and 5, the side walls 146 of thecartridge channel 112 each include a plurality of notches 170. Thenotches 170 provide access to ends of the retention slots 160 at aplurality of locations along the side walls 146 of the cartridge channel112 to allow the connecting portions 158 of the compression strips 116to be inserted into the retention slots 160 at multiple locations alongthe side walls 146.

Referring again to FIGS. 3 to 5, 10 and 11, in embodiments, thecompression pads 118 are supported on the bottom wall 144 of thecartridge channel 112 between the bottom wall 144 and the support plate114 of the cartridge assembly 104 (FIG. 11) on opposite sides of theknife slot 150. As discussed above in regard to the compression strips116, the compression pads 118 are formed of an elastic and/orcompressible material and support the staple cartridge 106 to facilitatemovement of the staple cartridge 106 in relation to the anvil assembly102 during clamping and firing of the surgical stapling device 10. Inembodiments, the compression pads 118 include cut outs 118 a thatprovide space for expansion of the compression pad 118 during firing.Although shown as being circular, the cut outs 118 a can be of anyconfiguration.

Referring to FIGS. 10-13, when thin tissue T1 is clamped between thetissue contact surface 124 of the staple cartridge 106 and the tissuecontact surface 102 a of the anvil assembly 102 and the surgicalstapling device 10 is fired, the forces applied to the compressionstrips 116 and the compression pads 118 is minimal such that thecompressible strips 116 and pads 118 undergo minimal deformation orcompression. As such, very little movement of the staple cartridge 106in relation to the anvil assembly 102 occurs. Thus, the staple cartridge106 remains in close relation to the anvil assembly 102 and the staple108 a (FIG. 13) undergoes substantial deformation.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, when thicker tissue T2 is clamped betweenthe tissue contact surface 124 of the staple cartridge 106 and thetissue contact surface 102 a of the anvil assembly 102 and the surgicalstapling device 10 is fired, the forces applied to the compressionstrips 116 and the compression pads 118 increases such that thecompressible strips 116 and compression pads 118 undergo moresubstantial deformation or compression. As such, the staple cartridge106 moves further downwardly away from the anvil assembly 102 tocompensate for the thicker tissue T2. Thus, the staple cartridge 106becomes spaced further from the anvil assembly 102 and the staple 108 bundergoes more substantial deformation.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, when even thicker tissue T3 is clampedbetween the tissue contact surface 124 of the staple cartridge 106 andthe tissue contact surface 102 a of the anvil assembly 102 and thesurgical stapling device 10 is fired, the forces applied to thecompression strips 116 and the compression pads 118 increases evenfurther such that the compressible strips 116 and pads 118 undergo evenmore substantial deformation or compression. As such, the staplecartridge 106 moves further downwardly away from the anvil assembly 102to compensate for the thicker tissue T3. Thus, the staple cartridge 106becomes spaced even further from the anvil assembly 102 and the staple108 b undergoes even more substantial deformation.

Although the surgical stapling device 10 is illustrated to include bothcompression strips 116 and compression pads 118, it is envisioned thatthe surgical stapling device need only include the strips 116 or thepads 118.

Persons skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methodsspecifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments. It is envisioned thatthe elements and features illustrated or described in connection withone exemplary embodiment may be combined with the elements and featuresof another without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.As well, one skilled in the art will appreciate further features andadvantages of the disclosure based on the above-described embodiments.Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be limited by what has beenparticularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cartridge assembly comprising: a cartridgechannel including a bottom wall and side walls defining a recess, eachof the side walls having a first end secured to the bottom wall and asecond end spaced from the bottom wall, the second end of each of theside walls defining an elongated slot; a staple cartridge defining alongitudinal axis and including an upper wall defining a tissue contactsurface and side walls, the upper wall extending radially outward of theside walls of the staple cartridge to define a longitudinally extendingshoulder adjacent each side wall of the staple cartridge, the staplecartridge being dimensioned to be received within the recess of thecartridge channel such that the shoulders rest atop the side walls ofthe cartridge channel; and a compression strip supported in each of theelongated slots defined in the second end of the side walls of thecartridge channel, wherein the elongated slots and the compressionstrips are configured to interlock to secure the compression strips tothe cartridge channel.
 2. The cartridge assembly of claim 1, wherein thecompression strips include a connecting portion, the connecting portionof the compression strips and the elongated slot being dove-tail shaped.3. The cartridge assembly of claim 1, wherein the second end of each ofthe side walls of the cartridge channel include cutouts, the cutoutsintersecting the elongated slot to divide the elongated slot into aplurality of segments.
 4. The cartridge assembly of claim 3, whereineach of the compression strips is formed of a plurality of segments,each of the plurality of segments of the compression strips having alength that corresponds to a length of a respective one of the pluralityof segments of the elongated slots.
 5. The cartridge assembly of claim1, wherein each of the compression strips is formed from an elasticmaterial.
 6. The cartridge assembly of claim 1, further including asupport plate, wherein the staple cartridge includes staples and pushersand defines an open end opposite the upper wall, the support plate beingsupported on the open end of the staple cartridge to retain the staplesand pushers within the staple cartridge.
 7. The cartridge assembly ofclaim 7, wherein the staple cartridge and the support plate define a gapwith the bottom wall of the cartridge channel.
 8. The cartridge assemblyof claim 1, further including a compression pad positioned between thestaple cartridge and the bottom wall of the cartridge channel in thegap.
 9. The cartridge assembly of claim 8, wherein cartridge channel andthe staple cartridge define respective knife slots, and the compressionpad includes a first half positioned on one side of the knife slots anda second half positioned on the other side of the knife slots.
 10. Thecartridge assembly of claim 8, wherein the compression pad is formedfrom an elastic material.
 11. The cartridge assembly of claim 8, whereinthe compression pad is secured to the bottom wall of the cartridgechannel using an adhesive.
 12. A cartridge assembly comprising: acartridge channel including a bottom wall and side walls defining arecess; a staple cartridge defining a longitudinal axis and supporting aplurality of staples and a plurality of pushers, the staple cartridgehaving an upper wall defining a tissue contact surface and a pluralityof staple retention slots, the staple cartridge being received withinthe recess of the cartridge channel; and a compression pad positionedbetween the bottom wall of the cartridge channel and the staplecartridge.
 13. The cartridge assembly of claim 12, wherein thecompression pad is formed from an elastic material.
 14. The cartridgeassembly of claim 12, wherein the cartridge channel and the staplecartridge define respective knife slots, and the compression padincludes a first half positioned on one side of the knife slots and asecond half positioned on the other side of the knife slots.
 15. Thecartridge assembly of claim 12, wherein the compression pad is securedto the bottom wall of the cartridge channel using an adhesive.
 16. Thecartridge assembly of claim 12, wherein each of the side walls of thecartridge channel have a first end secured to the bottom wall and asecond end spaced from the bottom wall, the second end of each of theside walls of the cartridge channel defining an elongated slot, and thestaple cartridge further includes side walls extending longitudinallyalong each end of the upper wall, the upper wall extending radiallyoutward of the side walls to define a longitudinally extending shoulderadjacent each of the side walls of the staple cartridge, the staplecartridge being dimensioned to be received within the recess of thecartridge channel such that the shoulders rest atop the side walls ofthe cartridge channel; and further including a compression stripsupported in the elongated slot defined in the second end of the sidewalls of the cartridge channel, wherein the elongated slots and thecompression strips are configured to interlock to secure the compressionstrips to the cartridge channel.
 17. The cartridge assembly of claim 16,wherein the compression strips include a connecting portion, theconnecting portion of the compression strips and the elongated slotbeing dove-tail shaped.
 18. The cartridge of claim 16, wherein thesecond end of each of the side walls of the cartridge channel includecutouts, the cutouts intersecting the elongated slot to divide theelongated slot into a plurality of segments.
 19. The cartridge assemblyof claim 18, wherein each of the compression strips is formed of aplurality of segments, each of the plurality of segments of thecompression strips having a length that corresponds to a length of arespective one of the plurality of segments of the elongated slots. 20.The cartridge assembly of claim 12, further including a support plate,wherein the staple cartridge includes an open end opposite the upperwall, the support plate being supported on the open end of the staplecartridge to retain the staples and pushers within the staple cartridge.